Theory sheet 1 Mid point of a line segment

Midpoint Formula :

If point M is halfway between point A and point B them M is the

midpoint of AB

Consider the points A(1,2) and B( 5,4).

It is clear from the diagram alongside that ,the midpoint M of AB is (3,3)

We notice that , 1+5 = 3 and 2+4 = 3

2 2

So, the x -coordinate of M is the average of the x -coordinates of A and B

and, y- coordinate of M is the average of the y-coordinates of A and B

In general,

Example : Find the coordinates of the midpoint of AB for A(-1,3) and B(4,7)

Example : M is the midpoint of AB.Find the coordinates of B if A is (1,3) and M is (4,-2)

Example : Suppose A is (-2,4) and M is (3,-1), where M is the midpoint of AB.Use equal steps to find the
coordinates of B
Theory sheet 2 Gradient of a Line Segment

When looking at line segment drawn on a set of axes, it is clear that different line segments are inclined to the
horizontal at different angles.Some appear to be steeper than others.

The gradient of a line is a measure of its steepness

If we choose any two distinct (different ) points on the line , the horizontal step and vertical step between
them may be determined.

The gradient of a line can be found by using : Vertical step or y-step or rise
Horizontal step x- step or run

We can see that in Case 1 both steps are positive and so the gradient is positive
In Case 2 both steps are opposite in sign and so the gradient is negative

Line like are forward sloping and have positive gradients

Line like are backward sloping and have negative gradients

Have you ever wondered why gradient is measured by y step divided by x step , perhaps its because horizontal
lines have no gradient and zero (0) should represent this.Also, as lines become steeper we want their
numerical gradients to increase.

Try this !

Find the gradient of the line segments

Remember : Gradient of any horizontal line is always 0 , since the vertical step (numerator) is 0
Gradient of any vertical line is undefined , since the horizontal step (denominator) is 0
Theory sheet 3 Gradient Formula

Example : Find the gradient of the line through (3,-2) and (6,4)

Example : Through (2.4) draw a line with gradient - 2

3

Theory sheet 3 Using Gradients

Theory sheet 4 Gradient of Parallel & Perpendicular Lines
Parallel Lines :

Perpendicular Lines :

Example :If a line has gradient – 2 , find the gradient of

3
a. All lines parallel to the given line.
b. All lines perpendicular to the given line.

Example : Find a given that the line joining A (2.,3) to B (a,-1) is parallel to a line with gradient -2
Example : Fiind t given that the line joining D( -1,-3) to C (1,t) is perpendicular to a line with gradient 2
Theory sheet 5 Straight lines

In the previous theories , we learnt how to find the gradient of a line segment.Here , we will see how the
gradient can b used to find the equation of a line .

A. Vertical & Horizontal Lines

To begin with ,let us consider horizontal and vertical lines which are parallel to either the x or y axis.

Exercise :
B. Graphing from a table of values

In this section we will graph some straight lines from the table of values .Our aim is to identify some features
of the graphs and determine which part of the equation of the line controls them.

Axes Intercepts

Example : Consider the equation y =x – 2

a.Construct a table of values using x = -3,-2.-1,0,1,2,3
b.Draw a graph of y = x -2
c.Fiind the gradient and axes intercepts of the line.
Exercise :

C. Equations of lines (Gradient – Intercept form)

Example : Find the equation of these lines

Example : Find the equation of a line :
a. with gradient 2 and y – intercept 5
b. with the gradient 2 which passes through (6,1)

Example : Find the equation of the line passing through (-1,5) and (3,-2)
D. Equations of lines (General form)

Example :
Finding the general form equation of a line quickly :
Example :

Exercise :
E. Graphing lines from equations

In this section we see how to graph straight lines given equations in either gradient – intercept or general
form.

Graphing from the gradient – intercept form

Graphing from the general form

Exercise :